Police Seek Assistance for Car Burglaries

Millburn police are seeking the public's assistance in an investigation into a series of car burglaries.

Police Capt. James Miller, public information officer, said three burglaries at the Hilton Short Hills appear to be linked. Incidents at the Mall at Short Hills may also be linked, but police are not sure of it yet.

If anyone has information about the incidents, they are asked to contact detectives at (973) 564-7017. Residents should also report suspicious activity near vehicles immediately.

On Saturday, a Livingston resident reported her Lexus had been burglarized while it was parked at the Mall at Short Hills between noon and 10:05 p.m. Police said the driver's side door lock was damaged and numerous gifts valued at about $500 were stolen from the trunk.

On Sunday, a West Caldwell resident reported someone burglarized his Lexus while it was parked at the Mall at Short Hills. The driver's door lock had been removed and a garage door opener was stolen, police said. Police believe the incident happened between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Also on Sunday, a Ridgefield, Conn. resident at the Hilton Short Hills reported the driver's door lock of her Lexus had been punched out, but the victim had not determined if anything was missing. The car was parked in the hotel's parking lot between 5 p.m. on Saturday and the time of the report at about 1:40 p.m. on Sunday.

Also on Saturday, the police responded to the Hilton at about 10:20 p.m. on a report of a burglary to a car. A Landing resident reported his vehicle was entered between 8:53 p.m. and 8:58 p.m. and his insurance and registration cards were stolen. Police said the driver's side door lock and window were damaged.

While investigating the burglary, the officer located a parked Ford Explorer, which is owned by a Millburn resident, with damage to the door handle. The alarm had been activated, but it was not entered by anyone, police said.

On Saturday, a Brooklyn, N.Y. resident reported someone entered his Infiniti while it was parked at the mall between 7:15-8:30 p.m. Police said the person removed items including a camera, car alarm and sunglasses. The driver's side door lock had been removed.

A Sagamore Road resident reported on Saturday someone entered two cars parked in the driveway and stole an iPod from one of the vehicles. Police believe the incident happened between 5-6:45 p.m. There was no damage to the vehicles.